When it come to mainstream crossover vehicles (also known as CUVs), few can deny the popularity of the Rav4. With a compact build and coming from a trusted manufacturer, many small families have found this to be a perfect for them. The 2014 Toyota Rav4 continues to offer families comfort and functionality, while adding tech features to sweeten the deal.
One-week vehicle loan was provided for review purposes. All opinions are my own.
Unexpected 2014 Toyota Rav4 Review
My husband and I owned a a compact SUV from another company and I just figured the Rav4 would present a similar experience. However, upon getting in, I found that the Rav4 sits much lower than other SUVs I’ve driven. It was higher than a typical sedan but didn’t feel like a crossover at all. That said, it’s quite easy to get used to driving it. I loved the adjustable height power lift gate, as I’m sure many petite people will. As for room, there’s a good amount of space all around.
You know that that extra hum your vehicle might make as it’s exerting extra effort to climb an incline? Yeah, that how the Rav4 sounded all the time. The 2.5L engine should have provided plenty of power but, for some reason, it was as if there was a barely audible “I think I can” constantly being whispered by the engine.
I was glad to see that the Rav4 offered several features like blind spot monitoring with rear cross traffic alert, auto high beams, and dual climate control. The center control panel still needs an update but at least it’s a bit more refined than the 4Runner. The interior feels very simple and uncluttered. The rear camera gave a clear display but would disappear if you pressed any buttons on the screen. That was a bit bothersome.
The 2014 Toyota Rav4’s Appeal
The 2014 Toyota Rav4 Limited was not a highly innovative, ground-breaking model but it provided a solid drive. Small families and even women without kids will be happy with this as a smart purchase but will likely miss the usual benefit of riding higher that other crossovers offer. As for cost, it’s not bad considering it’s a Toyota and that it gets an average of 25 mpg. However, I would love to see a re-design as the new Highlander shows what potential lies in future Toyota models.
12 comments
I just chose one of those for a rental vehicle a couple months ago. I liked it a lot actually. It was a good size for me!
Does it have a touchscreen, also? My parents just bought a ’14 Camry and it does, but my ’14 Honda does not.
Yes, it is a touchscreen 🙂
I love the Rav4, well Toyota in general. It truly is a great suv option for the vertically challenged like myself.
We looked at these when we were car shopping a few years ago. I got something similar.
The Rav4 sure has come a long way in the last 16 years! It was on our short list of vehicles when we ultimately bought our CR-V back then. At the time it just seemed more like a truck than a car to me – but wow what a difference, I can see myself being very persuaded to give it a chance when we’re getting ready to replace our next vehicle.
Blind spot monitoring sounds like a handy feature!
A few friends had Rav4’s in college. That was forever ago now! It’s nice to see the car had the staying power to stick around. I don’t think it would work for our family since we are close to needing a school bus to get us all around. But I’ve got teenaged nieces and nephews that this might suit perfectly.
It does look a little roomy and I love the height. I might have to check this one out!
I would love to have a Rav4. It would be great for my camping trips.
Its a cute vehicle. Too small for us but it looks nice.
I wouldn’t mind getting a Toyota someday. They last and last. 🙂
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